Spanish researchers have successfully developed a new type of ceramic membrane that can be used as an antibacterial coating to effectively inhibit the pathogenic bacteria on the surface of stainless steel products. It is expected to be used in medical devices, human implant materials, public health facilities, food processing equipment and other fields. .
Stainless steel material has good rigidity, processability and corrosion resistance, and has a wide range of uses. However, after repeated use and cleaning and disinfection of stainless steel products, the surface coating will wear out, and bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus can easily grow. Infectious diseases.
According to a communique issued by the University of Navarre, Spain, the research team led by the school’s engineer Javier Ossés developed a high-hardness ceramic coating in which a small amount of antibacterial metal such as silver and copper was added, and the coating was also applied. The layer has high hardness, low coefficient of friction, good wear resistance and chemical stability.
The communique said that using physical vapor deposition technology, researchers deposited a layer of uniform and dense ceramic film on the surface of a stainless steel substrate. This coating, on the basis of retaining the original characteristics of stainless steel materials, prevents the growth of various pathogens and has not found any Side effects, especially for reducing the rate of bacterial infections caused by surgical instruments and prostheses.
The researchers said that the ceramic antibacterial coating is durable and cost-effective, and is suitable for large-scale production. Sinks, tableware, washing machine drums, surgical instruments, and orthopaedic implants that are closely related to daily life are expected to use this new material.